Pence is addressing the Munich Security Conference in his first overseas trip as vice president

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Updated: 8:54 AM EST Feb 18, 2017

The White House says Vice President Mike Pence expressed support for Afghanistan's national unity government during a meeting with Ashraf Ghani, the country's president, on Saturday.

The leaders met on the sidelines of a security conference in Munich. They talked about ways to improve relations between their countries and advance mutual interests, particularly on counterterrorism cooperation and economic development.

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The White House says they also affirmed the importance of continuing the "strategic partnership" between the U.S. and Afghanistan.

Pence is also scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Earlier on Saturday, the White House said Pence and German Chancellor Angela Merkel committed to continue close cooperation on a range of global issues.

The leaders met after separately addressing a security conference in Munich.

Pence and Merkel also discussed the need for NATO member countries to meet their "burden-sharing" commitments. The White House says they also agreed that the alliance must continue to transform itself to meet 21st century threats.

Pence thanked the chancellor for leading on Ukraine and expressed appreciation for Germany's contributions in Afghanistan and to the coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Pence said the US would hold Russia accountable and offered reassurances that the U.S. strongly supports NATO.